January 02

Born in 1727, James Wolfe joined the British Army and saw action in Europe and North America. He distinguished himself at the Siege of Louisbourg before being appointed to lead the Québec expedition. In 1759, Wolfe executed a daring assault on the cliffs of Quebec, surprising French forces under Montcalm. Despite being mortally wounded on the Plains of Abraham, his troops secured a pivotal victory. This triumph marked a turning point in the Seven Years’ War, ensuring British dominance in Canada. Wolfe’s leadership and bold tactics have been studied in military academies ever since. He became a celebrated national hero, immortalized in art and literature.

Born in 1885 in Viking, Alberta, Gordon Flowerdew joined the Canadian Light Horse Regiment at the outbreak of World War I. In March 1918, he led 'Flowerdew's Squadron' in a daring cavalry charge against German positions at Moreuil Wood, France, capturing enemy guns and halting the advance. Despite overwhelming odds and heavy casualties, his leadership turned the tide on the Western Front. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valour in the British Empire. Flowerdew's action is remembered as one of the last great cavalry charges in military history. He died of wounds received in the battle and is commemorated by memorials in Canada.

Lawrence Wackett, born in 1896, was a leading figure in Australian aviation history. He served in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I and later became Director of Aircraft Production for the Royal Australian Air Force. Wackett founded the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, driving the development of the country’s first military and civilian aircraft. His engineering innovations included improvements in aircraft design and manufacturing processes. Knighted for his services to aviation, he continued to influence aerospace development until his death in 1982. Wackett is celebrated as the 'father of the Australian aircraft industry.'

Dan Keating was born in 1902 and joined the Irish Republican Army during the fight for Ireland’s independence from Britain. He participated in key operations during the War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War. Known for his bravery and commitment, Keating continued to support republican causes for decades. After retiring from active service, he shared his experiences through interviews and memoirs, preserving a firsthand account of Ireland’s revolutionary period. His longevity allowed him to witness Ireland’s transformation into a republic. He died in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to Irish freedom and national identity.

Norodom Ranariddh (1944-2021) was a Cambodian royal and politician. As a field marshal, he held a senior military rank within the Cambodian armed forces. In 1993, he became the first Prime Minister under the restored constitutional monarchy. Ranariddh founded the royalist FUNCINPEC party and played a key role in post-conflict reconciliation. His tenure included navigating complex power-sharing agreements and rebuilding national institutions. He remained an influential figure in Cambodian politics until his death.